James H. Dougherty, Jr

James H. Dougherty Jr., of Ledyard Connecticut, passed away on January 11, 2024 at the age of 89.  Jim was born on February 27, 1934 to James and Elizabeth (Hurtt) Dougherty in Columbia, Missouri.  He was raised in Denton, Texas.

He attended University of North Texas where he received his Bachelor's and Master's Degree.  He then attended the University of Illinois in Champaign where he met his wife, Alma (Reyling) Dougherty.  They were married on August 15, 1959 in Champaign, Illinois.

They then moved to Groton, Connecticut, where he accepted a position as a Research Physiologist at the United States Naval Research Laboratory in Groton.  He worked there until he retired in 2004.

He was a Charter Member of the Undersea Medical Society, the Aerospace Medical Association devoted to the art of Aerospace Medicine and the Allied Sciences.  He was also a member of the American College of Sports Medicine.  He participated in an experimental 45 day Undersea Saturation Dive at 205 feet with the Sealab II Project Group. 

Jim was a founding member of the Ledyard Sportsmans Club.  He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors.  He also served as Chairman of the Ledyard Planning Commission from 1970 - 1979.

Jim’s one great passion was his love of German Shorthaired Pointers.  He was a member of the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America.  He spent many years raising and showing his dogs throughout the east coast and brought four dogs to earn AKC Championships.

James is survived by his daughter, Vicki Dougherty, of Scotland Connecticut; his son, James H. Dougherty III and wife Jennifer of Hillsboro, Virginia and their two daughters Abigail and Lily.

He was predeceased by his brother Charles R. Dougherty of Farmers Branch, Texas.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00AM on Saturday, April 27, at the Groton Congregational Church. 162 Monument Street, Groton, CT. A reception will follow in the church hall . Please visit www.Byles .com  for directions, to sign the guestbook or to share a memory. Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s remembrance to Groton Congregational Church Restoration Fund, 162 Monument Street, Groton CT 06340. Byles-Groton Memorial home is assisting the family with the arrangements.